The Human Relations Commission of Hopkinsville is holding an open forum tomorrow night on the effect of Kentucky’s juvenile detention system has on local communities.
Tuesday’s forum features Pastor Edward Palmer, chair of Kentucky Equity and Justice for All Youth.
According to a report by ChildTrends.org, juvenile detentions rates have been on a steady decline since 1999. However, more than 55,000 children under the age of 17 were incarcerated in 2013 with males and racial minorities described as “heavily overrepresented.”
The forum seeks to provide some understanding on what these overrepresented detention rates have on crime rates and recidivism in diverse neighborhoods.
The forum begins at 5:30pm at the Boys and Girls Club on Walnut Street.